The Internet consists of the entire interconnecting global network of computers. While
there still are separate computer networks that are not connected to the Internet, almost
all major networks are now connected to the Internet.

One of the two most popular Internet browsers,
Microsoft's Internet Explorer 3.0
offers rudimentary parental control features. At this time the blocking capabilities are
sorely lacking in important fundamentals, such as blocking pornographic newsgroups, so
Internet Explorer should not be considered a viable alternative to filtering software..

Every computer on the Internet has an IP Address which functions
in much the same fashion as a telephone number  enabling computers to identify and
contact one another. In general, IP Addresses are invisible to users because most browsers hide this level of technical detail and only
display the computers associated domain name.

This is a tool that enables users to "talk" to real people via short written
messages back and forth as if it were instant e-mail. IRC programs require a TCP/IP, SLIP or MAC/IP connection to function. AOL and CompuServe have their own chat rooms that provide much
of the same function with lower technical complexity. IRC chats can have many more
participants than AOL or CompuServe, but also require participants to have more technical
expertise.

ISPs, which come in all sizes and types, connect you to the Internet.
Some specialize in business users, some in "high-end" users, and some in general
consumers. In the context of this book, ISPs refer to both straight ISPs and ISPs that
that add additional proprietary content such as online magazines or stock market
information.

JPEGs, pronounced "jay peg," are one of the popular file formats for graphic
images on the Internet (along with GIFs).
JPEG images can be viewed by browsers and also are
recognized by many other applications such as Microsoft Word.

A once common unit of measurement for memory, one thousand KB equals one MB (megabyte). Because most computers now come equipped
with more memory, and many software programs likewise take up more memory, the term MB is
more frequently used than KB.